Artificial intelligence in the IVF laboratory: overview through the application of different types of algorithms for the classification of reproductive data

Abstract

Over the past years, the assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been accompanied by constant innovations. For instance, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), time-lapse monitoring of the embryonic morphokinetics, and PGS are innovative techniques that increased the success of the ART. In the same trend, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques is being intensively researched whether in the embryo or spermatozoa selection. Despite several studies already published, the use of AI within assisted reproduction clinics is not yet a reality. This is largely due to the different AI techniques that are being proposed to be used in the daily routine of the clinics, which causes some uncertainty in their use. To shed light on this complex scenario, this review briefly describes some of the most frequently used AI algorithms, their functionalities, and their potential use. Several databases were analyzed in search of articles where applied artificial intelligence algorithms were used on reproductive data. Our focus was on the classification of embryonic cells and semen samples. Of a total of 124 articles analyzed, 32 were selected for this review. From the proposed algorithms, most have achieved a satisfactory precision, demonstrating the potential of a wide range of AI techniques. However, the evaluation of these studies suggests the need for more standardized research to validate the proposed models and their algorithms. Routine use of AI in assisted reproduction clinics is just a matter of time. However, the choice of AI technique to be used is supported by a better understanding of the principles subjacent to each technique, that is, its robustness, pros, and cons. We provide some current (although incipient) and potential uses of AI on the clinic routine, discussing how accurate and friendly it could be. Finally, we propose some standards for AI research on the selection of the embryo to be transferred and other future hints. For us, the imminence of its use is evident, providing a revolutionary milestone that will impact the ART.

Can methods of artificial intelligence aid in optimizing patient selection in patients undergoing intrauterine inseminations?

“…Regarding method selection, model performances followed closely. Interestingly, the ANN, employed with different numbers of layers and nodes, proved to be inferior to many other studies where ANN achieved promising results [19][20][21][22]. In our case, the random forest algorithm was superior, with PLS following closely.…”

“…As AI applications grow extensively, there are currently no data on the use of AI approaches in the field of IUI. However, several studies have been performed on IVF [19][20][21][22].…”

Embryo selection with artificial intelligence: how to evaluate and compare methods?

“…Several studies have reviewed AI algorithms and their uses for various applications within IVF [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. In this paper, however, we focus specifically on embryo evaluation and selection, as this is currently the most active research area of applying AI within IVF, with more than 10 papers published in 2020.…”

Artificial intelligence—the future is now

“…One of the big advantages of AI is its ability to integrate large amounts of data and synthesize it in ways that allow for pattern recognition and development of predictive models and selection tools [ 29 ]. But the science of “Big Data,” using computational analysis of huge data sets to identify patterns and associations, also means big challenges—in the form of data bias, data security, and questions of data access and ownership.…”